‘Professor Julia Slingo OBE is widely recognised as a world-leading scientist in her own right. Since February 2009 she has served as Met Office Chief Scientist providing inspirational leadership of science in the Met Office, and in the wider UK and international community. A leading authority on weather and climate science, she frequently speaks to her peers, the media and the public to promote a common understanding of the issues and impacts associated with natural hazards, weather and climate science. Her previous roles include Director of Climate Research in the National Centre for Atmospheric Science where she led climate research from UK academic institutions, and Founding Director of the Walker Institute for Climate System Research at the University of Reading. Julia is also the first woman to be President of the Royal Meteorological Society, a post she held since 2008.

‘Julia is one of very few women to join the influential group of Government chief scientific advisers. Last year’s volcanic eruption in Iceland and subsequent closure of European airspace provided a keen test of her leadership and communication skills, in providing the scientific advice underpinning the UK’s response to the crisis. Throughout this rapidly changing event, she provided Government with expert advice on the distribution of volcanic ash across international airspace. She also provided the leadership needed to quickly implement new science to meet the changing requirements of the aviation community. Importantly, despite considerable pressure from the media and a number of understandably worried airlines, Julia ensured advice was impartial, evidence based and delivered with the highest scientific integrity. This has been acknowledged through a Select Committee enquiry. Julia’s passion and drive for her science, and its impacts on people, is infectious. This passion is never more evident than when she is briefing and advising Government officials and politicians, or speaking in the media. In the last year she has, for example, appeared on BBC Newsnight and provided an authoritative voice for the Independent and Nature on a range of subjects including the flooding in Pakistan and Australia, and the cold winter conditions in the UK. Recognising Julia’s major role during an unprecedented year of global natural hazards, the American Geophysical Union invited her to deliver the prestigious AGU Frontiers of Geophysics keynote lecture to its annual conference in December 2010.’

The Awards celebrate women leaders in society and seek to recognise and promote the work of women in politics, business, the civil service and community leadership. The ceremony will take place on 13 September.